Would Leeds move help Trafford oust Pickford from England team?
Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford is closing in on a £40m move to Leeds United, a fee that would make him one of the most expensive goalkeepers in history and put him in line for regular first-team football. The switch raises the question of whether the 23-year-old could eventually challenge Jordan Pickford, who at 34 by Euro 2028 remains England's long-serving number one, for the international starting spot.
Trafford's club career has been turbulent: after joining Burnley from City's academy for £15m in 2023, he initially struggled before excelling during their 2024-25 promotion season, prompting a £27m return to City. He then lost out to summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma, limiting him to just four Premier League appearances last season. A move to Leeds would take total fees spent on him to £82m, but he has only 32 top-flight appearances to his name, while Pickford remains firmly first choice after starting every England World Cup game bar one this summer, surpassing Peter Shilton's tournament appearance record.
- Trafford nearing £40m Leeds move from Manchester City
- Would rank among history's priciest goalkeeper transfers
- Pickford remains England's number one despite Trafford's rise
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James Trafford is a 23-year-old English goalkeeper at Manchester City who is joining Leeds United. He has struggled to establish himself at City, having moved from Burnley before returning with limited playing time. The move to Leeds would give him the chance to play regularly at Premier League level.
England's number one goalkeeper is Jordan Pickford, the established, long-serving starter for the national team. He has recently performed well for England in major tournaments.
The transfer is being discussed in relation to Trafford's potential future with England, where Pickford currently holds the number one position. His involvement with the national team setup would depend on further development of his experience and consistent performances at the highest club level.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Regular first-team football is essential for goalkeeper development, and at 23, Trafford has ample time to gain experience before Euro 2028 whilst Pickford ages. His promising form during Burnley's promotion and Manchester City's continued investment suggest genuine quality; a move to Leeds would finally provide the consistent playing time needed to realise that potential and mount a credible challenge to an incumbent nearing the end of his career.
The case against
Trafford's turbulent career—initially struggling at Burnley, then losing out to Donnarumma at City—suggests the £82m invested in him has yet to translate into consistent elite-level performance. Pickford remains firmly established with an excellent international record, and playing in the Championship offers no guarantee of the development needed to compete at the highest level against such a well-entrenched competitor.